Nondestructive Testing Function Permission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nondestructive testing systems, such as endoscopes, face challenges in upgrading firmware and enabling new functions like white balance correction or noise reduction, where existing methods complicate data management and function accessibility, especially in initial states where certain functions are restricted or hidden.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a control section that manages function permissions and display states, allowing for unlocking and displaying previously restricted functions through permission commands stored in flash memory, enabling the execution and display of additional features like adapter type display and high-intensity lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functions are initially set to disabled state and hidden from display, then system security and data management are improved, but function accessibility and user operation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring functions in a disabled and hidden state during system initialization or firmware installation. Permission information is prepared in advance and stored in the storage section, allowing the control section to subsequently enable and display functions without requiring complex real-time authorization logic. This resolves the contradiction by establishing a secure initial state while maintaining the capability for easy future access through pre-prepared permission data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new functions are added through firmware upgrade, then system adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of function permissions with the firmware update process itself. Permission information is bundled with firmware data in the storage section, so that when firmware is upgraded, both the new functions and their authorization status are installed together. This integration simplifies data management by eliminating separate permission configuration steps, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage section serves multiple functions: it stores both firmware data for upgrading and permission information for function control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for permission management, thereby adding new functions through firmware upgrades without proportionally increasing device complexity or data management burden.
3Ease of operation
If all functions are displayed and accessible, then user operation ease is improved, but system security and data organization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the display and accessibility status of individual functions based on their specific permission settings. Rather than uniformly displaying all functions or none, the system selectively displays only those functions for which permission information is granted. This localized control maintains data organization and security while providing adequate function visibility and accessibility for authorized operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A nondestructive testing apparatus includes a display section and a storage section which stores predetermined executable functions. Each of the predetermined functions is initially set to one of a permitted state and a disabled state, and one of a display state and a non-display state on the display section. In an initial state, at least one of the predetermined functions is set to the disabled state and the non-display state. The nondestructive testing apparatus can receive permission information which unlocks at least one of the predetermined functions initially set to the disabled state so as to be set to the permitted state, and unlocks at least one of the predetermined functions initially set in the non-display state so as to be in the display state. The apparatus displays an operation icon only with respect to all of the predetermined functions set to the display state.